Round Mountain Rockhound Area
Arizona
fire agatechalcedony rosesagatequartz crystalsgeodesjasper
BLM collecting area · Free
Round Mountain Rockhound Area
Round Mountain is the second of BLM Arizona's formally designated rockhound areas, managed out of the Safford Field Office for non-commercial collection of rocks, mineral specimens and semiprecious gemstones. White chalcedony roses litter the ground like scattered popcorn, and patient searchers pull fire agate, quartz and the occasional geode from the same volcanic host rock. BLM's own directions run east from Safford on Highway 70 about 50 miles, crossing into New Mexico to just beyond milepost 5, then 12 miles of dirt on the right, so the drive dips across the state line even though BLM administers the site out of Arizona.
The card catalog
| What you can find | fire agate, chalcedony roses, agate, quartz crystals, geodes, jasper |
|---|---|
| Access | BLM collecting area — Free |
| Fees | Free; no permit or day fee for collecting. BLM lists camping as an available activity but publishes no rates or developed sites for this area, so plan on dispersed camping and self-contained gear. |
| Season & hours | Year-round on paper; realistically October through April. The last 12 miles are dirt and turn greasy after storms, so check conditions and skip it after rain. There are no facilities of any kind. |
| Kids | Family-friendly — The chalcedony float scattered across the flats is easy pickings for young collectors even when the fire agate refuses to cooperate. The long washboard drive is the real hurdle, and there is no water, shade or toilet at the site. |
| Official source | Bureau of Land Management, Safford Field Office |
| Last checked | Checked against its source August 16, 2026 |
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
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Before you go
What does Round Mountain Rockhound Area cost?
Free; no permit or day fee for collecting. BLM lists camping as an available activity but publishes no rates or developed sites for this area, so plan on dispersed camping and self-contained gear. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is Round Mountain Rockhound Area open?
Year-round on paper; realistically October through April. The last 12 miles are dirt and turn greasy after storms, so check conditions and skip it after rain. There are no facilities of any kind. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is Round Mountain Rockhound Area good for kids?
Yes — Round Mountain Rockhound Area works for families. The chalcedony float scattered across the flats is easy pickings for young collectors even when the fire agate refuses to cooperate. The long washboard drive is the real hurdle, and there is no water, shade or toilet at the site.